Costa Rica Here I Come

Well, not just yet. I still have a couple more months before I go, but I’m getting antsy and giddy. Strange combination, huh? This is my first international trip in almost 15 years. I should count Toronto, though. I was there in August, 2014, and it was a very nice trip, very memorable; I didn’t have to navigate US Customs and I didn’t need passport book; the card was sufficient. I even remained in the car.

Anyway, about Costa Rica, I did a little research. I highlighted a few hot spots I definitely would like to catch when I go.

San Jose Rain Forest

From the many travel sites I’ve read and the people I know personally who have gone, seeing the rain forest is a must. I’ve seen many a rain forests in the past. But evidently the one in San Jose is purportedly one of the best, most awe-inspiring in the world.

Beach Fun

I’m not a huge beach bum, but I do like laying on my towel and reading a good book, something I don’t get to do nearly as often as I would like to do when I am home. I’ll also be listening to my iPod, but I will be mostly looking at the beautiful sights (the scenic beauty as well as the human sights). Two things on my list are jet skiing and parasailing. My hotel overlooks the beach and has vendors that offer both parasailing and jetskiing.

Museums

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t squeeze in some museum time. There are dozens of them all over, from big to small and the middle-sized too. A colleague suggested I check out Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. This one has lots of information on the history, structure, and overall development of Costa Rica, things I know nothing about. When it comes to geography, that’s an area of mine that is the weakest. So, this museum will be a good foundation for me. I also want to see The Museum of Forms, Spaces and Sounds, their equivalent of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum.

These are just a few of the many things I’ll do, plus a few of my ‘secret’ little rendezvous venues. If you have suggestions, let me know. Post them here or hit me up privately. I didn’t mention it but I plan to get plenty of rest, in between trying the many regional foods and beverages. I hope I can make some friends while there, happenstance of course. That’s the best way, IMHO.

Additionally, I have my Global Entry Card, a must-have for international travel, which affords you benefits comparable to TSA Precheck (the Global Entry also includes TSA Precheck). From most people’s perspective, these programs help you get through the lines more quickly. For me, I’m looking forward to an easier time clearing customs. I have been a little nervous about that, since I haven’t done any real international travel since they’ve added the heightened security measures.

But I’m sure I will be fine. I’m really looking forward to it, and I’ll try to get pictures of key activities along the way. If I do, I’ll be sure to post them on Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. Stay tuned.